Journal & Courier Purdue basketball insider Nathan Baird on why Sunday's 111-107 victory over Israel will be a part of the career narrative for both Vincent and Carsen Edwards.
Nathan Baird/Journal & Courier

Team USA's Carsen Edwards (3) passes the ball around Team Canada's Erik Nissen (11) in the first half during the World University Games basketball game at Carmel High School Friday evening, August 11, 2017.(Photo: Matt Kryger/IndyStar)

Carsen Edwards responded with his best game as Boilermaker — and Vincent Edwards conjured perhaps hits toughest performance — as Team USA advanced with a 111-107 overtime victory.

Team USA moves on to face Serbia in Monday's semifinals at 12:30 a.m. Eastern.

"I thought it was an unbelievable game — a back-and-forth game," Purdue coach Matt Painter said. "... Our guys showed a lot of grit by getting some stops, making their free throws down the stretch and pulling out the victory."

Carsen Edwards made eight 3-pointers and scored 36 points — half of which came during a pivotal third-quarter performance. The sophomore guard with a gunslinger's bravado scored 30 of those points in the second half and overtime.

That outburst began when Purdue wasn't sure what Vincent Edwards, helped to the locker room right before halftime with a left foot injury, could provide. He returned to start the second half and collected 21 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals without a turnover.

P.J. Thompson also hit five 3-pointers and scored 22 points as the Boilermakers. Yet the biggest play of the night came from senior guard Dakota Mathias, whose step-back 3-with 38 seconds left beat the shot clock and broke a 104-104 tie.

Mathias also hit two free throws after an Israel turnover to give Team USA a five-point lead with 22.8 seconds to play."

"We've all been doing this for a long time," Vincent Edwards said. "It was good for our experience to show up tonight and get that win."

Team USA nearly won the game in regulation. Leading by three, it strategically fouled Israel at midcourt in the final seconds. Israel made the first and missed the second, but Daniel Koperburg grabbed the offense rebound and tied the game on a put-back with 0.9 seconds left.

Purdue expected a jump in competition for the medal rounds, Israel delivered.

Naor Sharon and Iftah Ziv combined for 18 assists to lead what Painter called "an exceptional passing team." Israel's ball-screen attacks repeatedly led to easy looks against a Boilermaker defense that had shut down its last three pool opponents.

Israel also doubled harder against Team USA's post than the pool opponents had. While 7-2 center Isaac Haas drew several fouls, but had attempted only one field goal well into the second half.

So Purdue's guards stepped up — none bigger than Carsen Edwards. He later said he hadn't been active enough on either end of the floor in the first half. He first felt he needed to get defensive stops.

Then, his shots began falling — one 3-pointer after another, several right in the face of Israel defenders. Carsen Edwards made five 3-pointers while scoring 18 third-quarter points. His barrage flipped an eight-point deficit early in the third quarter into a 71-66 lead going to the fourth.

"I was like, 'Just get out of his way,' " Purdue assistant coach Greg Gary said. "'Run over there, give him the ball and run as far from him as possible and give him space.' He was was in that mode."

Through the first five-and-a-half games, Carsen Edwards shot a modest 34.2 percent from 3-point range. He made 6 of 8 after halftime on Sunday — several of which either tied the game or gave Team USA the lead.

"That was a helluva performance, man," Vincent Edwards said. "He's such a young guy, but to be able to score like that is unbelievable. We knew he had the hot hand. Coach Painter kept calling his name. "

Carsen Edwards' outburst somewhat overshadowed Vincent Edwards's strong first half. He scored 12 points in a variety of ways while sprinkling around his typically multi-faceted contributions.

Yet in the final minute of the first half, the senior forward rolled his left ankle while fighting for rebounding position. He stayed down for a while in obvious pain, then had to be helped to the locker room. He later said he had been playing with a sore right foot as well.

However, when Purdue started the second half, Vincent Edwards was on the floor. Carsen Edwards said it was a "big-time" return. He even granted the senior forward one of his ultimate compliments, calling him "a dog."

"I felt like I needed to be out there," Vincent Edwards said. "They have to be able to count on me."

Vincent Edwards' final big play came via his lone blocked shot, with 16.8 seconds left. Israel retained possession but missed a forced 3, Grady Eifert rebounded, and Carsen Edwards made 1 of 2 free throws for a six-point lead with 8.7 left.

Big time level game just played!! Huge plays made all night by our guys! Moving on to the semifinals! #GoldMedalMentality

Purdue stands one win away from a trip to the gold medal game. Coming off their most emotional victory of the summer, the Boilermakers shrugged off the quick turnaround with about 19 hours until tipoff.

"We get to play again and play the game we love at a high level and compete," Carsen Edwards said.